Is UltraVPN The Best VPN in 2022? Let's Find Out

A VPN is a critical part of your security toolkit.

It can protect your internet connection against hackers who eavesdrop - a more common occurrence than you'd think, especially on public WiFi networks like those in coffee shops and airports.

For example, a 2022 report from Microsoft found a similar type of attack that targeted 10,000 organizations in 12 months.

VPNs can protect you. But despite the marketing hype, not all are created equal. The best VPNs have world-class security and privacy features, fast internet speeds, and include plans anyone can afford.

UltraVPN is a popular option. But I wanted to see if it really lived up to the hype.

Here's what I found:

• Very fast internet speeds. While using UltraVPN, my internet speeds were almost indistinguishable from my local Wi-Fi connection.
• Excellent unblocking abilities. UltraVPN easily gave me access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
• Robust online protection. I was impressed by UltraVPN's military-grade encryption and IP leak protection.
• Bonus security features, including a Dark Web scanner and password manager.

That's my high-level review. But there's more to UltraVPN than those few points (both good and bad). Here's everything you need to know to decide if UltraVPN is the right option for you:

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a VPN in 2023?

Some factors matter more than others when judging a VPN. Here are the most important ones we'll consider.

• Speed. Above all else, a modern VPN shouldn't slow down your internet connection or leave you buffering when trying to stream content. I pushed UltraVPN to its limits by testing across multiple servers, trying everything from basic internet browsing to streaming live 4K video.
• Security. VPNs are designed to keep you safe online. They should use encryption to protect everything you do, safeguard you against common attacks, and include features to keep you safe.
• Server network. VPNs need a robust server network to let you access streaming services from other countries or choose servers closer to you for faster speeds. A great server network means a better VPN connection overall.
• Streaming access. Major streaming services like Netflix block some VPN servers. If you're going to use a VPN to see movies and shows that aren't available in your region, you need a platform with servers that bypass streaming blocklists.
• Usability. A VPN needs to be easy to use. Ideally, it should work in the background and be mostly invisible. We tested UltraVPN across several devices - desktop and mobile - to see how easy it was to use.
• Customer service. If you have a question about service or hit a problem getting your VPN set up, you need help troubleshooting. We tested UltraVPN's customer service and knowledge base to see how they worked.
• Value. Finally, a VPN only makes sense if it fits your budget. We did some comparison price shopping to see how UltraVPN compares to the other options out there.

2-Minute UltraVPN Review: Here's What You Need To Know

UltraVPN is a reliable and affordable VPN service that's a great choice for most people due to its advanced security features and easy-to-use interface.

UltraVPN:

• Is one of the most affordable options we've seen
• Provides 99% of the features VPN users are looking for
• Offers three different plans depending on your needs
• Includes a reliable server network and even works in China
• Is easy to install and works on up to 6 devices at once
• Has a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans

UltraVPN was founded in 2006 and has added numerous features since then for robust online protection. It has an attractive, easy-to-use interface that lets anyone browse safely online, even without technical expertise.

UltraVPN also has a reliable server network that's spread across six continents and 80+ countries. It even works in China and can bypass the Great Firewall.

UltraVPN offers three different plans depending on your needs. Each one is full-featured, but you'll get a bigger discount for subscribing to a longer plan. There isn't a free trial, but all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

You can use UltraVPN on up to six devices with simultaneous connections, making it a solid choice for just about anyone.

UltraVPN In-Depth Review: The Good & The Bad

I spent 15+ hours researching and testing UltraVPN across all of my devices to prepare this in-depth review.

In addition to the research for this article, I kept UltraVPN on doing everyday activities to see how it felt on my devices with regular use. Thankfully, I forgot it was on most of the time and only remembered when a website would appear in another language.

I also wanted to test the complete experience, including UltraVPN's bonus features and its live chat support. Many users might not be interested in these features, but I didn't feel a review would be complete without sharing my experience.

After extensive testing both for this review and during normal usage, here's what I found.

UltraVPN Speed Test: One of the Fastest VPNs We Tested

Most VPNs put a big drag on your internet speed, but UltraVPN is blazing fast.

Slow speeds are normal - after all, a VPN by definition isn't the fastest route for your connection - but it's still frustrating. Since the entire point of a VPN is to make browsing more secure, it's counterproductive if you have to disable it for anything that requires real bandwidth.

I'm happy to report these issues don't happen with UltraVPN. That's probably due to its proprietary Hydra protocol, which works under the hood to ensure your internet speeds are as fast as possible while maintaining equally high security standards.

Aside from a few seconds of lag when booting the UltraVPN app or switching servers, I forgot I was using a VPN most of the time since its speed is about the same as my normal WiFi connection.

Streaming HD or 4K video worked great, even for live feeds or at 1.5x speed.

Video calls worked fine. Every server I tried passed video call tests with flying colors.

UltraVPN doesn't have as many servers as some competitors, but its network is well-distributed. There are 100+ UltraVPN servers in 80+ countries.

In countries with more than one server, you can pick which one to use. In the U.S., for example, you can pick from 25 different locations:

I tested a lot of servers, and nearly all of them worked as fast as my normal connection. With no VPN, my internet download speed is around 200 Mbps, upload speed is around 100 Mbps, and latency is around 13 milliseconds.

Generally speaking, VPN speeds decrease the further away you get, so I expected other servers in North America to be much faster than the rest of the world. That wasn't really the case - speeds were fast across the board.

Here are the actual internet speeds I got from a sample of servers on every continent.

I started with Canada:

The latency (ping) and upload speed took a hit, but the download speed - arguably the most important factor for streaming or browsing - was almost identical.

Up next is Chile:

Then France:

Then South Africa:

Then Japan:

And finally, Australia:

Incredibly, internet download speeds using UltraVPN were close enough to be indistinguishable from my regular speeds, even when using a server on the other side of the world.

And the connections have been stable, too. Aside from a few seconds of lag when connecting to a new server, everything works just like my normal network.

UltraVPN Security: Military-Grade Security That Passes the Test

Perhaps the most common reason to start using a VPN is that it offers better security online.

Just about every VPN claims it's secure, but the truth is a bit more complex. Not every VPN protects you everywhere. We reviewed third-party research on what makes a VPN secure and ran tests to discover how UltraVPN stacks up.

High-level security breakdown

Here are the key features you'll find with UltraVPN:

• Military-grade encryption. UltraVPN uses 256-bit encryption, the same standard used by financial institutions and the US military.
• Protocol options. UltraVPN lets you choose between two protocols, including a proprietary engine, both with key advantages.
• Privacy. UltraVPN has a zero-logs policy, so it won't store the history of your online activity.
• IP leak protection. UltraVPN prevents DNS and WebRTC leaks and, unlike other major VPN providers, protects against IP leaks using IPv6 connections.
• Additional features. UltraVPN includes helpful advanced features like split-tunneling and a Kill Switch.

VPN protocols

UltraVPN offers two different VPN protocols: Hydra and IKEv2.

Hydra is UltraVPN's proprietary engine that's protected by 26 patents. It's optimized for speed and security and is faster than almost any other VPN out there. It's extremely difficult to detect.

Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is a VPN protocol that's optimized for mobile devices. UltraVPN pairs it with IPSec for better security and performance. (Worth noting: UltraVPN does not yet offer IKEv2 support on Android.)

You can select either of these or the UltraVPN "Automatic" option, which will select the best protocol for your device and connection.

OpenVPN is an open-source protocol that UltraVPN does not support. It is updated frequently for best security practices but is also freely available for hackers or governments to reverse-engineer.

Encryption

Encryption is the method your VPN uses to hide your information. If it's too weak - like some older protocols - a hacker can figure out the code and read everything.

UltraVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same method used at banks and by the U.S. military. A hacker armed with a supercomputer would need several trillion years to crack the code in a brute-force attack.

Malware & phishing protection

UltraVPN has built-in malware and phishing protection to keep you safe. It works in the background and remains mostly invisible, but if you venture into dangerous territory it'll alert you for your protection.

Privacy

UltraVPN was created by Pango, a company that owns several security products. In 2020, Pango was acquired by Aura, an all-in-one security platform that's committed to privacy and protecting your identity online. Both companies are based in the United States.

UltraVPN has a zero-logs policy, which means it doesn't record the websites you visit. Even if there's a court order or subpoena for your browsing history, UltraVPN doesn't have anything to turn over.

That said, this no-logs policy comes with a few caveats. UltraVPN does store some information that's used for administrative requirements, like limiting your use if your subscription lapses.

Split-tunneling

Let's say you're using a server in India to watch Bollywood movies on your favorite streaming service. You check if your paycheck has been posted to your bank account - and set off a fraud alert for suspicious login activity.

The solution is UltraVPN's Split Tunneling feature. You can set up websites that should always bypass a VPN, like an account that needs to verify your location. You can also set sites that should always use a VPN, so if you have it disabled for whatever reason, UltraVPN will default to an encrypted connection for those sites.

IP leak protection

VPNs can protect most of your activity but still leave IP leaks that expose your data. There are three main kinds of leaks to watch out for with VPN services.

DNS leaks. While a VPN may hide and secure your traffic, its initial DNS request may be sent through your internet service provider (ISP) unencrypted. This means that while the site data itself is hidden, your ISP has a list of the sites you've visited.

WebRTC leaks. Many live calling apps, including Facebook Messenger and Discord, use the real-time communication (WebRTC) protocol to establish a connection. VPNs don't always block this specific request, meaning your data is vulnerable when making a call.

IPv6 leaks. Few websites use this modern replacement of the IPv4 standard. VPNs that don't support this standard can leak data when processing IPv6 requests. An independent 2022 study found that major VPN providers, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, don't support IPv6.

So, how does UltraVPN compare?

I connected to its Japan server and ran some tests. On a DNS leak test, UltraVPN only registered as being based in Japan:

It also passed the WebRTC test:

And Google's IPv6 test shows no problems:

So third-party data suggests that UltraVPN doesn't have these vulnerabilities, and in some instances is more secure than other VPN options out there.

Kill Switch

What happens if you're browsing with a VPN enabled, but the encrypted connection suddenly glitches? Normally, your device would automatically switch to the unencrypted internet, handing over all your personal information to anyone listening.

UltraVPN's Kill Switch functionality immediately stops all data transfer for leak protection. In other words, you're either connected with encryption, or you're not connected at all.

UltraVPN Security Network: Small, yet Reliable Network

VPNs work by tunneling your online activity through servers all around the world.

UltraVPN has a smaller number of servers, with 100+ spread around the world. That's not the biggest server list, but it's more than enough for most people. You'll find servers on six continents and in most major countries. You shouldn't struggle to find one that works.

What matters more than the number of servers is their reliability and speed. I didn't experience any crashes or glitches, and for the most part, the internet speed was as good as normal WiFi through my home router. UltraVPN gives you unlimited bandwidth, so you won't hit throttling limits.

Changing the server location is fast and easy. From the dashboard, just click on the current virtual location.

Find the country you want and click on it. You can tell how many servers are in each country by the number listed. For example, Canada has four options.

Once you've selected the country, choose the server location. Click "Connect," and it'll happen in a few seconds.

It's also easy to switch in the Mac menu bar. Just click the icon and choose from recent servers, or click "All Locations" to see the complete list of countries.

It's easy and fast to switch to any server, and the recent choices are helpful if you often switch between just a few countries.

UltraVPN Streaming Access: Excellent Unblocking Capabilities

Every VPN claims to unblock popular streaming sites, but you can't take their word for it. Streaming services recognize the servers of some VPNs and block them. For example, here's the result when I try to enter Netflix using a free VPN competitor:

That said, UltraVPN is really, really good at connecting to streaming sites. I'm pretty sure that's an advantage of its smaller server network - they're not using the same blacklisted servers of bigger VPN companies.

UltraVPN works on the biggest and most important streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and YouTube. It'll also bypass the geo-restrictions on less-known platforms like iTV Hub, BBC iPlayer, Peacock TV, and Kodi.

For example, Rick and Morty isn't available on U.S. Netflix, but it is using UltraVPN's UK server:

And that UK server worked fine for BBC iPlayer. I watched a recent episode of Top Gear:

Not every server worked with Disney+, but a few did. I watched Moon Knight without any problems:

The toughest streaming platform I tried was Amazon Prime Video. It's notorious for blocking VPNs. And sure enough, I hit this message on most of the servers I tried:

But I eventually found an UltraVPN server based in the USA that let me watch Now You See Me without any problems:

For all the streaming I did with UltraVPN - even with HD and 4K video - I never saw a lag. It worked as smoothly as my normal internet connection.

A few sites claimed that UltraVPN doesn't work for torrenting, but I used it to download a public-domain movie over BitTorrent very fast and without any problems.

All told, UltraVPN is a top VPN choice to watch streaming content unavailable in your region. You might need to test a few different servers, but I was always able to find one that worked and never experienced long buffer times, lags, or other issues. It performed as well as my local internet access.

UltraVPN Usability: Easy To Set Up Across Devices and Platforms

A lot of the software out there for browsing securely is just too technical. It's hard to set up and gives you so many options you feel like you need IT experience just to get up and running.

What I really like about UltraVPN is that its platform is simple and easy to use, all with industry-leading security humming away in the background. You can fine-tune settings if you like, but the default features work great to keep you safe.

What devices does UltraVPN work on?

UltraVPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS (iPhone and iPad).

It doesn't work on Linux, and there isn't a browser extension, but I actually prefer VPNs without extensions. For example, a Chrome extension will protect your IP address and add security protocols to your browsing history.

But that's only safeguarding one part of your internet usage, and it's easy to forget and fall prey to an IP leak on another app. A VPN that connects directly to your system (especially with UltraVPN's Kill Switch feature enabled) offers much more robust protection.

UltraVPN's installation process

Getting started with UltraVPN is fast and easy. After your payment at UltraVPN.com, it'll ask you to set a password.

The web dashboard just lists your account and billing info with a button to download.

On macOS, you'll download it from the App Store, and it'll be ready to use immediately. I gave it permission to add VPN Configurations, signed in with my email and password, and it was ready to go.

The mobile app on my iPhone was just as easy to set up. I downloaded it from the App Store, gave it VPN permissions, logged in, and was up and running.

The Windows app walked me through a basic installation process and was ready in a few clicks.

And the Android app is easy to set up as well:

UltraVPN's appearance & ease of use

UltraVPN has a clean and simple modern interface. This is what it looks like on my Mac:

You can choose to show it in the doc, menu bar, or both. I prefer a minimalistic look, so I opted for the menu bar. It has a small lightning bolt icon that turns gray when I'm not connected.

Here's the iOS display. It comes in light mode and dark mode. Note the "VPN" icon in the menu bar, which is how you know it's active.

This is its layout on Windows 10:

And on Android:

Overall it looks great and is easy to use. The basic interface works great.

UltraVPN Customer Support: 24/7 Live Chat But Knowledge Base is Lacking

I've learned the hard way (several times, unfortunately) that software doesn't always work as you expect. Having a helpful team available to troubleshoot can make the difference between an app that works and a waste of money.

UltraVPN has 24/7 live chat support, so I tested it out. The most congested times for customer support tend to be weekday afternoons, with Mondays being the worst, so that's when I reached out.

A few websites said UltraVPN works on up to six devices, but I couldn't find the information on the pricing page. So I started a chat using the box on the website without telling them I was an existing customer.

I was going to time how long it took them to respond, but an agent entered the chat and was typing in less time than it took me to get my timer ready, which was pretty impressive. I'd estimate they answered my question within 30 seconds.

If I had to guess, I'd say those first few messages are probably templates. But they answered my question quickly and accurately, which is what I wanted. I couldn't find the answer anywhere else.

This brings me to the knowledge base. The UltraVPN knowledge base has several dozen articles on different topics.

But the coverage felt a little lacking.

For example, there isn't a single article that answers my question about how many devices I can use at once. And I was curious if UltraVPN works on Linux, but again - not a single article on the topic.

The knowledge base does cover the basics, like how to get started, what the configuration settings mean, and more. But for more complex questions, you'll probably need to talk with a live agent.

I also tested the live chat service to cancel my plan and get a refund. As with the first time, an agent responded to me within a few seconds.

Within a few minutes, the refund was approved and on its way. UltraVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee really is risk-free, which is reassuring.

Value: Should You Buy UltraVPN?

UltraVPN has three different pricing plans: one month, one year, and two years.

All plans include the same features, which is nice. Many VPN providers offer different tiers that force you to choose between a good price or a good product. With UltraVPN, you can save 55% without giving up anything.

I reviewed the pricing plans of 20+ other companies and can confidently say that UltraVPN's pricing plans are more affordable than virtually every competitor.

There were only a few exceptions where a competitor offered a cheaper price, but in every single instance, I found:

• Limited features on the lowest-tier month plan.
• Limited refund options or none at all.
• Longer plan terms (e.g., 3-5 year commitment)
• "Promotional rates" that only apply to the first billing cycle.

It's challenging to find a more affordable option than UltraVPN.

UltraVPN accepts payment via credit card or PayPal. That should work for most customers, but if you want to pay in cryptocurrency, you'll need to find another provider.

UltraVPN doesn't have a free trial, which was a little disappointing. A free trial is always a good way to experiment with a service, but they aren't standard in the VPN industry.

UltraVPN does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which not every competitor can claim. And as I shared earlier, if you decide to cancel your plan and get a refund, the process only takes a few minutes.

The bottom line: If you're looking for a full-featured VPN without spending very much, UltraVPN is one of your best choices.

It offers:

• Comprehensive unblocking on major streaming platforms and sites
• Excellent connection speeds that are much faster than competitors
• Strong security features, like military-grade encryption and a Kill Switch feature
• Other bonus features, like Dark Web scanning and password manager

Bonus: Dark Web Scanning & Password Manager

In addition to everything we've covered here, UltraVPN also includes two bonus features that help it stand apart: Dark Web Scanning and Password Manager.

The Dark Web is a hidden network of websites you can't access with a normal browser. Most of what goes on in the Dark Web is criminal activity, especially buying and selling personal information for identity theft.

UltraVPN scans the Dark Web for your information and alerts you if you're at risk of identity theft. After you verify your email, it will scan for it on databases of leaked information.

Thankfully, my email hasn't been breached (yet). But UltraVPN will send me a notification if that changes, which gives me nice peace of mind.

UltraVPN also includes a subscription to PassWatch password manager. Like a VPN, a password manager is an essential tool to protect your privacy and security online. It securely stores your passwords, giving you easy access so you can protect your accounts.

Start by activating PassWatch in UltraVPN.

It'll provide you with instructions to set up your account. It works as a browser extension that stores the login information for your accounts. For example, I added my Twitter login information in just a few seconds.

It also has a helpful at-a-glance dashboard to keep track of your online security.

Password managers can cost as much as an UltraVPN subscription by themselves, so getting one for free is a nice perk.

Final Verdict: UltraVPN is One Of the Best Values in 2023

UltraVPN offers some impressive features that set it apart from competitors. It uses the proprietary Hydra protocol for blazing-fast speeds and gives you very broad access to content on major (and not-so-major) streaming services.

Its military-grade encryption, Kill Switch, and split-tunneling features make it one of the most secure VPN options. UltraVPN is also one of the most affordable choices out there. And to top it all off, it bundles two major bonus features - Dark Web Scanning and a Password Manager - completely free.

The leading features of UltraVPN, compared with its affordable price, make it one of the best values for people looking for a VPN in 2023.